Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 241 / Monday, December 18, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 87363 

TABLE 2 TO PARAGRAPH (b) 

Commodity Parts per 

million 

Expiration/ 

revocation 

date 

Almond .................. 0.04 12/31/26 

Almond, hulls ........ 0.4 12/31/26 

* * * * * 

[FR Doc. 2023–27654 Filed 12–15–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6560–50–P 

GENERAL SERVICES 

ADMINISTRATION 

41 CFR Parts 301–10 and 301–70 

[Notice-MA–2023–07; Docket No. 2023– 

0002; Sequence No. 30] 

Federal Travel Regulation (FTR); 

Sustainable Transportation for Official 

Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel 

AGENCY: Office of Government-wide 

Policy (OGP), General Services 

Administration (GSA). 

ACTION: Announcement of FTR bulletin. 

SUMMARY: FTR Bulletin 24–02 clarifies 

existing regulations for determining the 

method of transportation that is most 

advantageous to the Government and 

encourages Federal travelers to make 

sustainable, cost-effective transportation 

choices when conducting official TDY 

travel. 

DATES: Applicable December 18, 2023. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For 

clarification of content, contact Jill 

Denning, Office of Government-wide 

Policy, Office of Asset and 

Transportation Management, at 

travelpolicy@gsa.gov, 202–208–7642. 

Please cite Notice of GSA Bulletin FTR 

24–02. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office 

of Management and Budget (OMB) 

Memorandum M–24–05 ‘‘Catalyzing 

Sustainable Transportation Through 

Federal Travel’’ (issued December 14, 

2023) provides guidance for 

implementing Executive Order (E.O.) 

14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy 

Industries and Jobs through Federal 

Sustainability. OMB Memo M–24–05 

directs Federal agencies to prioritize 

sustainable transportation options for 

official travel whenever possible and 

lead by example as an organization 

working toward net-zero emissions 

operations by 2050. 

The FTR already encourages measures 

that promote sustainability, but the 

transition to clean energy provides 

additional opportunities for Federal 

travelers to support sustainable 

initiatives through the use of clean 

technologies. Title 5 of the United States 

Code (U.S.C.), section 5733, states in 

part ‘‘[t]he travel of an employee shall 

be by the most expeditious means of 

transportation practicable,’’ which the 

FTR expands upon by directing agencies 

to select the method of transportation 

most advantageous to the Government 

when cost and other factors are 

considered. Energy conservation is an 

element of sustainability and is one of 

several non-cost elements required to be 

considered by agencies when selecting 

the most advantageous method of 

transportation (FTR §§ 301–10.4, 301– 

70.100, and 301–70.101 (41 CFR)). 

GSA Bulletin FTR 24–02 can be 

viewed in its entirety at https://

www.gsa.gov/ftrbulletins. 

Krystal J. Brumfield, 

Associate Administrator, Office of 

Government-wide Policy. 

[FR Doc. 2023–27775 Filed 12–15–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6820–14–P 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Bureau of Land Management 

43 CFR Part 8360 

[BLM_UT_FRN_MO4500172882] 

Final Supplementary Rule for Roped 

and Aerial Activities in the Moab 

Canyons Special Wildlife Area (In and 

Near Mineral and Hell Roaring 

Canyons) in Grand County, Utah 

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, 

Interior. 

ACTION: Final supplementary rule. 

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) is finalizing a 

supplementary rule for the Moab 

Canyons Special Wildlife Area (in and 

near Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons) 

in Grand County, Utah, which prohibits 

rock climbing except when and where 

permitted, prohibits other roped and 

aerial activities, and prohibits the 

construction or installation of temporary 

structures. This rule will protect vital 

wildlife habitat from the impacts of 

roped and aerial recreational activities. 

DATES: This final supplementary rule is 

effective January 17, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: You may direct inquiries to 

the BLM Moab Field Office, 82 East 

Dogwood Avenue, Moab, UT 84532, or 

blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov. The final 

supplementary rule and accompanying 

environmental documents are available 

for inspection at the BLM Moab Field 

Office at the address listed above and on 

the ePlanning website: https://

eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/ 

project/1504945/510. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Jennifer Jones, Moab Field Office 

Assistant Manager, 82 East Dogwood 

Avenue, Moab, Utah 84532, (435) 259– 

2100, or blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov. 

Individuals in the United States who are 

deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have 

a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, 

TDD, or TeleBraille) to access 

telecommunications relay services. 

Individuals outside the United States 

should use the relay services offered 

within their country to make 

international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background 

II. Discussion of Public Comments 

III. Discussion of Final Supplementary Rule 

IV. Procedural Matters 

V. Final Supplementary Rule for the BLM 

Moab Field Office 

I. Background 

The BLM is establishing this final 

supplementary rule under the authority 

of 43 CFR 8365.1–6, which allows state 

directors to establish supplementary 

rules for the protection of persons, 

property, public lands, and resources. 

This final supplementary rule applies to 

public lands managed by the Moab 

Field Office. A map of the management 

area and boundaries can be obtained by 

contacting the Moab Field Office (see 

ADDRESSES section above). 

The final supplementary rule will be 

available for inspection in the Moab 

Field Office or on the ePlanning 

website. 

The public lands managed by the 

BLM Moab Field Office in southeastern 

Utah are a domestic and international 

tourist destination hosting three million 

visitors per year. The Moab Canyons 

Special Wildlife Area, which consists of 

10,044 acres in and along the walls and 

rims of Mineral and Hell Roaring 

Canyons as well as on the canyon walls 

and rims along the Green River corridor 

connecting these two canyons, provides 

important habitat for the Mexican 

spotted owl (a federally threatened 

species); golden eagles and other 

raptors; Utah’s only endemic herd of 

desert bighorn sheep; and other wildlife. 

In recent years, roped and aerial 

recreational activities have increased in 

these canyons, putting wildlife and their 

vital habitats at risk. The goal of this 

supplementary rule is to protect vital 

wildlife habitat from the impacts of 

roped and aerial recreational activities. 

In June 2021, the BLM issued a 

Decision Record and Finding of No 

Significant Impact that prohibited rock 

climbing except when and where 


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I 
87364 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 241 / Monday, December 18, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 

permitted; prohibited other roped and 

aerial activities; and prohibited the 

construction or installation of temporary 

structures in the Moab Canyons Special 

Wildlife Area. The Decision Record 

created a permit system that allows a 

limited amount of rock climbing, 

seasonally, on specific climbs in 

designated areas. More specifically, the 

permit system prohibits rock climbing 

permits during critical wildlife seasons 

and otherwise limits the number of 

permits to 35 per year. In accordance 

with 43 CFR 2932.11(b)(1), the Decision 

Record required that all persons must 

obtain a permit to rock climb in the 

special area. The Decision Record also 

outlined the need to establish a 

corresponding supplementary rule for 

the special area. 

The Decision Record was supported 

by an environmental assessment (EA) 

that analyzed two action alternatives: a 

total year-round ban on aerial and roped 

activities, and the institution of a 

limited seasonal permit system allowing 

some rock-climbing activity at specified 

locations. During the 30-day public 

comment period for the EA, the BLM 

received 13 comments. Seven comments 

supported the total year-round ban on 

aerial and roped activities in Mineral 

and Hell Roaring Canyons. Six 

commenters opposed some or all of that 

proposal and expressed an interest in 

greater access for roped and aerial 

activities. The BLM considered these 

public comments in the decisionmaking process. 

II. Discussion of Public Comments 

The BLM published the proposed 

supplementary rule in the Federal 

Register on January 31, 2023 (88 FR 

6217). During the 60-day public 

comment period on the proposed 

supplementary rule, the BLM received 

19 comments; four were fully 

supportive of the rule and three were 

opposed. One commenter asked that the 

restrictions not apply to permitted 

events and another commenter asked for 

voluntary seasonal restrictions. The 

remaining 10 commentors asked that 

highline use (an aerial activity involving 

walking across rope or wire between 

two high points) be allowed on a 

seasonal basis to access the Colorado 

Bowl (also known as the Veggie Bowl). 

III. Discussion of Final Supplementary 

Rule 

The final supplementary rule 

prohibits rock climbing except when 

and where permitted; prohibits other 

roped and aerial activities; and prohibits 

the construction or installation of 

temporary structures in the Moab 

Canyons Special Wildlife Area (in and 

near Mineral and Hell Roaring 

Canyons). This rule will protect vital 

wildlife habitat from the impacts of 

roped and aerial recreational activities. 

Rock climbing and other roped and 

aerial activities allow human access into 

otherwise inaccessible habitats. Other 

forms of recreation (e.g., hiking, driving, 

camping, horseback riding) and other 

public land uses, such as livestock 

grazing, cannot reach those areas. Rock 

climbing and other aerial and roped 

activities adversely affect the threatened 

Mexican spotted owl, golden eagles, and 

other raptors, because rock climbers and 

aerialists access the cliffs used by these 

species for nesting, foraging, and 

resting. In addition, desert bighorn 

sheep use the talus slopes below the 

cliffs accessed by rock climbers and 

aerialists as escape terrain for the 

critical life functions that make herd 

viability possible. Restrictions have 

already been placed on motorized 

vehicle use, camping, livestock grazing, 

and mineral development in these 

canyons to protect these species through 

the 2008 Moab Resource Management 

Plan. 

IV. Procedural Matters 

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory 

Planning and Review 

This final supplementary rule is not a 

significant regulatory action and is not 

subject to review by the Office of 

Management and Budget under 

Executive Order 12866 as amended by 

Executive Order 14094. The final 

supplementary rule will not have an 

annual effect of $200 million or more on 

the economy. It will not adversely 

affect, in a material way, the economy; 

productivity; competition; jobs; the 

environment; public health or safety; or 

State, local, or Tribal governments or 

communities. The final supplementary 

rule will not create a serious 

inconsistency or otherwise interfere 

with an action taken or planned by 

another agency. The final 

supplementary rule will not materially 

alter the budgetary effects of 

entitlements, grants, user fees, loan 

programs, or the rights or obligations of 

their recipients; nor does it raise novel 

legal or policy issues. The final rule 

merely establishes rules of conduct for 

public use on a limited area of public 

lands. 

National Environmental Policy Act 

This final supplementary rule is 

consistent with and necessary to 

properly implement the decision, which 

was analyzed in EA DOI–BLM–UT– 

Y010–2020–0068–EA. The approved 

environmental analysis is available for 

review at the physical and online 

locations identified in the ADDRESSES

section. 

Regulatory Flexibility Act 

Congress enacted the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980, as 

amended (5 U.S.C. 601–612), to ensure 

that government regulations do not 

unnecessarily or disproportionately 

burden small entities. The RFA requires 

a regulatory flexibility analysis if a rule 

has a significant economic impact, 

either detrimental or beneficial, on a 

substantial number of small entities. 

The final supplementary rule merely 

establishes a rule of conduct for public 

use on a limited area of public lands. 

Therefore, the BLM has determined the 

final supplementary rule will not have 

a significant economic impact on a 

substantial number of small entities. 

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 

Fairness Act 

The final supplementary rule is not 

‘‘major’’ as defined under 5 U.S.C. 

804(2). The final supplementary rule 

merely establishes rules of conduct for 

public use on a limited area of public 

lands and will not affect commercial or 

business activities of any kind. 

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 

The final supplementary rule will not 

impose an unfunded mandate on State, 

local, or Tribal governments in the 

aggregate, or the private sector of more 

than $100 million per year; nor will it 

have a significant or unique effect on 

small governments. The final 

supplementary rule will have no effect 

on State, local, or Tribal governments 

and will impose no requirements on any 

of these entities. The final 

supplementary rule will merely 

establish a rule of conduct for public 

use on a limited selection of public 

lands and will not affect Tribal, 

commercial, or business activities of any 

kind. Therefore, the BLM is not required 

to prepare a statement containing the 

information required by the Unfunded 

Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et 

seq.). 

Executive Order 12630, Governmental 

Actions and Interference With 

Constitutionally Protected Property 

Rights (Takings) 

The final supplementary rule does not 

have significant takings implications, 

nor is it capable of interfering with 

constitutionally protected property 

rights. The final supplementary rule 

merely establishes a rule of conduct for 

public use on a limited area of public 

lands and will not affect protected 

property rights. Therefore, the 


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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 241 / Monday, December 18, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 87365 

Department of the Interior has 

determined the final supplementary rule 

will not cause a ‘‘taking’’ of private 

property or require preparation of a 

takings assessment under this Executive 

order. 

Executive Order 13132, Federalism 

The final supplementary rule will not 

have a substantial direct effect on the 

States; the relationship between the 

Federal Government and the States; nor 

the distribution of power and 

responsibilities among the various 

levels of government. The final 

supplementary rule does not conflict 

with any State law or regulation. 

Therefore, in accordance with Executive 

Order 13132, the BLM has determined 

the supplementary rule does not have 

sufficient federalism implications to 

warrant preparation of a Federalism 

Assessment. 

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice 

Reform 

Under Executive Order 12988, the 

Department of the Interior Office of the 

Solicitor has determined the final 

supplementary rule will not unduly 

burden the judicial system and that it 

meets the requirements of sections 3(a) 

and 3(b)(2) of the order. 

Executive Order 13175, Consultation 

and Coordination With Tribal 

Governments 

In accordance with Executive Order 

13175, the BLM considered consultation 

and coordination with Tribal 

governments in the development of the 

EA, which forms the basis for the final 

supplementary rule. It was determined 

the EA’s proposed action did not have 

Tribal implications and formal 

consultation was not conducted. 

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use 

Under Executive Order 13211, the 

BLM has determined the final 

supplementary rule will not comprise a 

significant energy action and that it will 

not have an adverse effect on energy 

supplies, production, or consumption. 

Paperwork Reduction Act 

The final supplementary rule does not 

contain information collection 

requirements that the Office of 

Management and Budget must approve 

under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 

1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Federal 

criminal investigations or prosecutions 

may result from this rule, and the 

collection of information for these 

purposes is exempt from the Paperwork 

Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3518(c)(1). 

Authors 

The principal author of this final 

supplementary rule is Kathleen Stevens, 

outdoor recreation planner, Moab Field 

Office, Bureau of Land Management 

V. Final Supplementary Rule for the 

BLM Moab Field Office 

For the reasons stated in the 

preamble, and under the authority of 43 

U.S.C. 1740 and 43 CFR 8365.1–6, the 

Utah State Director establishes the 

following supplementary rule: 

1. Roped and aerial activities are 

prohibited within the Moab Canyons 

Special Wildlife Area, except for 

permitted rock climbing. 

2. All persons must be in possession 

of a permit to engage in rock climbing 

within the Moab Canyons Special 

Wildlife Area. 

3. The construction or installation of 

temporary structures is prohibited 

within the Moab Canyons Special 

Wildlife Area. 

Definitions 

Roped Activities: Activities involving 

ropes, cable, vectran, rock climbing 

aids, webbing, anchors, or any other 

similar materials. Activities include: 

ziplining, high-lining, slacklining, ropeswinging, and other activities using the 

roped materials listed and other 

associated equipment. 

Aerial Activities: Sporting pursuits 

which include ‘‘buildings, antennae, 

spans, and earth’’ (BASE) jumping, 

catapulting, paragliding, paramotoring, 

parachuting, skydiving, drone 

launching, aerial delivery, or other 

activities that involve aerial delivery, 

recovery, or shuttle. 

Rock climbing: A sport or technique 

in which participants climb up, down, 

or across natural rock formations, 

usually with ropes and other 

equipment. This also includes freesoloing and bouldering. 

Penalties 

On public lands under section 303(a) 

of the Federal Land Policy and 

Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 

1733(a)), and 43 CFR 8360.0–7, any 

person who violates this supplementary 

rule may be tried before a U.S. 

magistrate and fined no more than 

$1,000 or imprisoned for no more than 

12 months or both. Such violations may 

also be subject to enhanced fines 

provided for by 18 U.S.C. 3571. 

Exemptions 

Any Federal, State, local, or military 

persons acting within the scope of their 

duties, and members of an organized 

rescue or firefighting force in 

performance of an official duty, are 

exempted from this supplementary rule. 

Gregory Sheehan, 

State Director. 

[FR Doc. 2023–27746 Filed 12–15–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4331–25–P 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

50 CFR Part 622 

[Docket No. 231212–0300] 

RIN 0648–BM73 

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of 

Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish 

Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater 

Amberjack Emergency Management 

Measures 

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Final temporary rule; emergency 

action. 

SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final 

temporary rule to promulgate 

emergency measures, due to recently 

discovered circumstances that present 

serious conservation issues for the 

greater amberjack stock in the Gulf of 

Mexico (Gulf). As requested by the Gulf 

of Mexico Fishery Management Council 

(Council), NMFS issues this final 

temporary rule to reduce the Gulf 

greater amberjack commercial trip limit. 

The final temporary rule will be 

effective for 180 days unless superseded 

by subsequent rulemaking. The purpose 

of this emergency action is to decrease 

the likelihood of exceeding the 

commercial catch limits and extend the 

2024 commercial fishing season. 

DATES: This temporary rule is effective 

January 1, 2024, through June 15, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the 

documents in support of this final 

temporary rule for emergency action, 

which includes the Council’s letter to 

NMFS requesting the emergency action 

may be obtained from the Southeast 

Regional Office website at https://

www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/ 

emergency-rule-implement-reducedcommercial-trip-limits-gulf-mexicogreater-amberjack. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan 

Luers, telephone: 727–824–5305, or 

email: Daniel.Luers@noaa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The reef 

fish fishery of the Gulf is managed 

under the Fishery Management Plan for 


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